a republic in 1950, the prefix 'Royal' was dropped from the Indian Air Force. At the same time, the current IAF roundel was adopted. Aircraft Symbols, flags and emblems Roundel 1933–1942: The RAF roundel was used from 1933 to 1942 as the IAF was first established as an auxiliary air force of the Royal Air Force. 1943–1945: This roundel was used from 1943–1945 in the Burma Sector during World War II. The central red disc was removed to eliminate confusion with the Japanese Rising Sun Emblem. 1947–1950: The Ashoka Chakra was an interim roundel used from Indian independence in 1947 till India became a republic in 1950. 1950: This roundel was adapted by the IAF in 1950 and kept it after India became a republic and is used to this day. Fin flash Ensign The ensign had a field of air force blue with the Union Jack in the canton and the roundel of Royal Air Force superimposed in centre of inside of Star of India in the fly. Badge The badge had Tudor crown on top of ring with an eagle augmented in center. A ribbon in fly below with the force motto PER ARDUA AD ASTRA. Commanders At Independence, the head of the Air Force designated as the "Air Marshal Commanding, Royal Indian Air Force". On 1 March 1948, the title of "Chief of the Air Staff" was added, with a further re-designation to "Chief of the Air Staff and Commander-in-Chief, Royal Indian Air Force" on 21 June to maintain uniformity across the three armed services. The "Royal" designation was dropped when India became a republic on 26 January 1950. Thus re-designating the head of IAF to "Chief of the Air Staff and Commander-in-Chief, Indian Air Force". Air Officer Commanding RAF, India (1932–1938) Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Air Forces in India (1938–1947) (On 15 August 1947, the unified RIAF was separated into the Royal Indian Air Force and the Royal Pakistan Air Force) (**Seconded from the Royal Air Force) Air Marshal Commanding, Royal Indian Air Force (1947–1948) Chief of the Air Staff and Commander-in-Chief, Royal Indian Air Force (1948–1950) See also Royal Air Force Royal Canadian Air Force Royal Australian Air Force Royal New Zealand Air Force References Notes Citations External links The Forgotten Few; The Indian Air Force in World War II – KS Nair The Eagle strikes : the Royal Indian Air Force, 1932–1950 – Rana Chhina